Schema Magazine

The 2007 Cross-Cultural Mental Health Symposium is presented by:
The Cross-Cultural Psychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry, VGH / Vancouver Community Mental Health Services ~
Vancouver Coastal Health ~ Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia ~ S.O.S. ~ S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

12th Annual Cross-Cultural Mental Health Symposium
Social Cohesion: Building Capacity for Culturally Responsible Communities

Thursday & Friday, September 27 & 28, 2007
Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver

FEATURING KEYNOTE PANEL: Innovations in Social Cohesion in the Public and Private Sectors
Panelists: Jamie H. Graham, Retired Chief Constable, Vancouver Police Department, et al.

MODERATOR: Peter Lomas
Peter Lomas is a retired academic with a doctoral degree in Anthropology, as well as graduate degrees in Economics and Social Work. He specialized in Ethnic Relations and has a particular interest in the micro-perspective on multiculturalism. Peter believes that multiculturalism has served us quite well, but we should not become complacent about the demographic changes that are occurring and will continue to occur in this ever-changing world.

FEATURING MEDIA PANEL: The Role of Media and It’s Influence on Social Cohesion
Panelists: Maninder Gill, Managing Director & Sales, Radio India ~ Winnie Hwo, News Director, Fairchild TV ~ Alden Habacon, Manager of Diversity Initiatives, English Television Network, CBC

MODERATOR: Rafe MaIr
Rafe Mair is a lawyer, cabinet minister, Hall of Fame broadcaster, writer, the author of 7 books the latest of which is Over the Mountains. Since 1985 he has been a mental health "consumer" who hates that word as much as he deplores the use of the word drugs for medicine. He is founder of the "Bottom Line" Conference, an annual event dealing with mental illness in the workplace.

About the Symposium: The intent of the Cross-Cultural Mental Health Symposium is to promote ongoing dialogue between the mental health and addictions system and cross-cultural communities by exploring current issues and potential solutions/promising practices. Over the past 11 years, we have done so by exploring the implications of different themes or concerns of importance including: Immigrant & Refugee Men; Families in Transition; Stories of Immigrant & Refugee Women; Supports for Immigrant and Refugee Children & Youth. This year, we intend to address Social Cohesion and how it relates to the mental health and well being of immigrants, refugees, and Canadians within an increasingly diverse society.

What is Social Cohesion? …the ongoing and ever-evolving process of developing a community of shared values, shared challenges and equal opportunities within a society, based on a sense of trust, hope and reciprocity. The foundation of social order, whereby the vast majority of citizens respect the law and honour one another's human rights and values.

Come and explore this theme as we learn from public sector, private institution, media leaders, and community service providers. We will examine this theme from three perspectives: policy, program, and practice. How can we best plan for and respond to issues that arise out of the ever-growing diversity of voices within our organizations, among those whom our organizations serve and more generally in our society?

About Our Logo: Our Symposium Logo was designed by Andres Salaz in celebration of the Symposium’s 10th Anniversary. Born in Mexico, Andres is a young fine arts student residing in Canada. He is inspired by nature, different cultures and their people. The characters around the maple leaf are those who have been brought to the light to help form a multicultural society while at the same time protecting their treasure that is Canada.

Spirit of Hope Award: The 3rd Annual Spirit of Hope Award will be presented on Friday, September 28th at 1:15pm. The goal of the Spirit of Hope Award is to recognize an individual, program, not-for-profit agency or public institution within BC that has made a significant impact on improving the mental health conditions of immigrants and refugees. Along with the award is a donation of $1,000 to a Mental Health program of the award recipients’ choice. Please send us your nominations by September 4th.

Venue: SFU @ Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street. A light breakfast will be served on both mornings, as well as refreshments at breaks. Lunch will be provided, with a vegetarian option included.

We would like to thank our generous sponsors:
Lundbeck Canada, Janssen-Ortho, AstraZeneca, Shire and Eli Lilly
PROVINCIAL HEALTH SERVICES AUTHORITY & VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH

Info: Symposium Coordinator ~ Janey Chang ~ E-mail: symposium@shaw.ca ~ Fax: 604.676.2660